Most Inspiring Places Around The World

Some places are so beautiful, you can hardly believe they are real just by looking at photos of them. But I can promise you, the following ten places actually exist. I’ve been there and it was me who took those photos 🙂

Our planet is a source of inspiration, you only have to walk through it with open eyes as well as an open mind!
Here’s my top ten list of the most inspiring places I’ve been to all around the world.

10. Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a fairytale town, surrounded by mountains. Especially in winter, when snow coveres the roofs of the old wooden houses, and lightchains pierce through the branches of colorful decorated chrismastrees, it feels like being in a beautiful dream of your childhood.

It’s a challenging hike to the top of this active volcano in New Zealand, but the vistas are incredible. The hike includes steaming moonscapes, a walk through a crater as well as beautiful views of the barren lands around and the emerald volcanic lakes.

While everybody’s heading to the more popular Lake Bled, a short detour to lake Bohinj should be on your schedule. It’s less crowded and therefore very peaceful. In summer it sparkles in an emerald color and in winter, the mountains surrounding it are mirrored in the crystal clear waters. Be aware if you dare to swim in it! Is very cold, even on hot summer days.

La Réunion, a tiny island, close to Mauritius in the southern Indian Ocean is a true gem. Despite its small size, it offers a lot of great hiking (including a climb of the tallest mountain in the Indian Ocean) as well as incredible views. The trails lead you through dense jungles and very humid areas, to sharp volcanic peaks piercing through the clouds.

The valley of fire in Neavada lays in a desert landscape. It’s a few minutes hike from the parking lot to a wave like rock formation. Bring lots of water, it’s hot there all year round.

Incredible View at the Valley of Fire, Nevada. Prints are available here

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5. Škocjan Cave, Slovenia

In southern Slovenia, you can find the largest underground cavern in the world. The river Reka, which is already piercing through the limestone for millions of years, created that cavern. It’s not allowed to take photos inside of the cave, but prepare to be inpressed when you see its size for the first time! The trails are very safe, but make sure you’re not scared of heights, as you walk along a cliff and have to cross bridges.

The hidden entrance of Škocjan cave, Slovenia. Prints are available here

Imagine a remote Island, in the middle of the southern pacific ocean. Just imagine that. And now add some incredible sunrises, great food, beautiful mountains, lovely people, a white sandy beach and another tiny island within the colorful reef. This is Rarotonga.

Yes it’s cold, and yes the sun doesn’t rise at all in winter, but therefore you get endless dawns, when the skies turn in the most beautiful shades of orange and red and the nothern lights dance above your head during the stairy nights. Nothern Norway in winter is incredible. And getting through the cold nights outside is part of the experience.

An hour by ferry away from the mainland, lies the beautiful island of Pag. Its backcountry is what makes it so special. The dry lands stretch endlessly across the island, only interrupted by salt lakes.

Walking along the road, facing the mountains, Pag. Prints are available here

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1. Arabian Desert, UAE

Watching a sunset in the desert is an experience you will for sure never forget. The tall sand dunes cast shadows across the landscapes, the winds softly run through your hair, and you stand there, speechless, watching the shining ball of fire setting in the distance, displaying all shades of colors in the skies.

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What beautiful places. I think the places that take my breath away are those that aren’t well-known for such beauty. You go there and you see them and wonder why the whole world isn’t there, too. But you’re also kind of glad the whole world isn’t, and that you’ll fully appreciate it for everyone on your own.

You report on a welcome variety of places that are new to me. Plus, you certainly captured a better look at the Valley of Fire, the only one of these places I’ve been. I look forward to seeing more. Thank you for following Under Western Skies.

I am really glad that you are blogging again. These are amazing places and beautiful photographs (descriptions also applicable to photographer). Actually thinking about this again I do not like you (I must work on my jealousy 🙂 ) I would really like go to Tongariro (inter alia)

Thanks again Abrie! I didn’t find a lot of time during the past year to write a lot, because I was busy with studies as well as travelling, I still am, but I kind of missed sharing my experienced with the world. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha I hope you can get over it and like me again 😉 you should definitly go to Tongariro! It’s incredible 🙂 if you need any more information about it, please just ask! 🙂

Though I am not quite the intrepid traveller, I have been fortunate to have visited Halstatt, no. 1 on your list, a few years back and I fully agree with yr assessment. In fact, Austria as a whole turned out to be a beautiful trip over a week.

Wow! A stunning selection of photos! I would be hard-pressed to pick a favourite, although seeing the Northern LIghts again is very high on my list.
You seen some mighty spectacular corners of the world!

I grew up in Northern Canada. I saw them in my hometown in Northern Ontario.
Funny, at the time it didn’t seem like a big thing … like ‘oh, the Northern Lights are out tonight’. Now I would LOVE to have a chance to see them again!